General synonyms:
* Arch-enemy: This emphasizes a powerful and long-standing enemy.
* Adversary: This is a more formal word for an opponent or enemy.
* Opponent: This is a neutral term for someone who is competing against you.
* Foe: This is a more poetic term for an enemy.
* Rival: This suggests someone who is trying to achieve the same goals as you.
Synonyms emphasizing punishment or downfall:
* Scourge: This emphasizes the destructive or punishing nature of the nemesis.
* Doom: This suggests the nemesis is the cause of someone's destruction.
* Fate: This implies the nemesis is a force of destiny that cannot be avoided.
Synonyms emphasizing a sense of inevitable conflict:
* Destiny: This suggests that the conflict is predetermined and unavoidable.
* Fate: Similar to "destiny", this emphasizes the inevitable nature of the conflict.
The best synonym to use depends on the specific context and the nuances you want to convey.